How do you teach programming to young kids in the age of ChatGPT et al.?

Programming is a skill like being able to type or write. Knowing WHAT to write, and HOW to analyse what is written in a critical way to find truths has always been more important. With AI it is fundamental and should be taught in infant school. Critical appraisal should be more important than imagination (or at least hand in hand with it).

Use ChatGPT and Python. Get the kid their own ChatGPT Plus account (may need a cheap Android phone). Add Custom Instructions in the settings explaining that they are X years old and the job is to tutor them in programming. Make sure you teach them to always use GPT-4 with the Code Interpreter.

Start by watching them interact to see if you need to adjust the custom instructions. Initially review all of the sessions. Have the kid send you share links to the conversations and links to GitHub.

You will need to be strict about solving problems without asking for the AI to do the thinking for them. But with custom instructions and reading the chat transcripts, this should be feasible.

You could also look into ChatGPT-powered programming tutors in development at Khan Academy and other startups.